Is the N Seoul Tower observatory worth paying for, or is the free view at the top of Namsan enough? We went up with our toddler and his grandfather to find out. Short answer: the tickets aren't cheap, but the 360-degree view over Seoul is worth doing once, especially with kids. Just don't buy your tickets at the counter before reading this, because there's a cheaper way.
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| Our little one taking in the whole city |
Quick facts
- Tickets at the counter: adults (13+) 29,000 won, children (3–12) 23,000 won, seniors (65+) 23,000 won
- Under 36 months: free with a paying adult
- Cheaper online: about 25,900 won for adults, usable the same day (see below)
- Hours: weekdays 10:00 am–10:30 pm (last entry 10:00 pm); weekends and holidays 10:00 am–11:00 pm (last entry 10:30 pm)
- Time needed: about 1 hour
- Elevator wait: looked long, but we were up in under 5 minutes
Prices and hours can change, so double-check before you go.
How to save on N Seoul Tower tickets
Here's what we learned the hard way. Next to the ticket counter there's a Trip.com sign with a QR code. Paying through that QR brought adult tickets down to 26,500 won, so that's what we did. Back home, I found an online deal that was even cheaper.
- Ticket counter: 29,000 won
- Trip.com QR at the tower: 26,500 won
- Online deal: about 25,900 won (cheapest we found)
You can buy it on the day and use it right away, so you can even book while you're standing in front of the tower.
👉 Book N Seoul Tower observatory tickets (about 25,900 won) (affiliate link: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you)
Traveling with grandparents? The senior rate isn't sold online, so we bought my dad's ticket at the counter. Bring ID, and ask at the counter whether your passport is accepted for the senior price.
What our family of four paid
- 2 adults (Trip.com QR): 53,000 won
- 1 senior (counter): 23,000 won
- 1 toddler (under 36 months): free
- Total: 76,000 won, versus 81,000 won at full counter price
Finding the observatory entrance (it's downstairs)
This confuses a lot of first-time visitors. The observatory entrance is not at ground level. Follow the signs for the observatory and take the stairs down. You'll walk past the N GIFT souvenir shop and reach the entrance.
If you booked online, scan your QR code at the voucher machine in front of the entrance to get a paper ticket, then scan the barcode at the self check-in gate.
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| Follow the green 'Observation Deck Entrance' sign down the stairs |
Pushing a stroller? There's a call bell for assistance at the top of these stairs.
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| Online tickets: swap your QR for a paper ticket here, then scan in |
The elevator: shorter wait than it looks
The line for the elevator looked long, but two elevators run nonstop and the ride t
o the top is quick. We were on within 5 minutes. While you wait, the walls show videos of Namsan's autumn leaves and spring cherry blossoms, which kept our toddler happily distracted.
The view: Seoul in 360 degrees
You step out at about 380 meters above sea level and walk in a full circle around the city. Each window is labeled with the cities in that direction and how far away they are, which is a fun detail. One window points toward Pyongyang, 246.9 km away.
- North: the downtown skyline with Bukhansan mountain behind it
- East: the bridges over the Han River, with Lotte World Tower in the distance
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| Each window tells you which city lies that way, and how far |
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| Looking east over the Han River toward Lotte World Tower |
Heads up, parents: the candy shop
Right in the middle of the observatory floor is Weeny Beeny, a bright candy and jelly shop. The viewing path loops around it, so there's no way to avoid it with a toddler in tow. Plan your "just one" treat in advance.
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| You'll walk past this whether you like it or not |
One floor down: coffee with a view
Go down one level and there's a Twosome Place cafe with window seats. It's a great spot to sit, have a drink and rest little legs while still enjoying the view. We took our family photo here.
On the same floor is Hancook, a Korean restaurant. If you eat there, observatory entry is free. Meals start at 69,000 won for the weekday lunch (Korean beef and set dishes), and dinner and weekend courses run 125,000 to 150,000 won. It only makes sense if you were planning a special meal anyway. Reservations: +82-2-3455-9292.
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| Window seats at the cafe, a good break for little legs |
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| Hancook's menu. Dining here gets you into the observatory free |
Souvenirs worth a look
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| The gift shop on the observatory floor, with the 25,000 won snow globe |
Is the N Seoul Tower observatory worth it with kids?
- Plan about an hour inside
- Book adult tickets online to save a few thousand won each
- Under 36 months go free; seniors get the child rate at the counter
- The elevator line moves fast
- Rest at the cafe one floor down
- Be ready for the candy shop
It isn't cheap, but seeing all of Seoul spread out below you with your kids is the kind of thing you do once and remember. If you'd rather skip the ticket, the plaza in front of the Palgakjeong pavilion has a great free view too.
Planning your visit? See how to get to N Seoul Tower by bus, cable car or on foot, and our guide to Namsan autumn leaves.
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